This is a fun annual swim of 7.1 kms under 5 central Hamilton bridges. The race starts at Hamilton Gardens, Hungerford Rd and finishes at Ann St Beach.

There is a cup for first woman and first man to finish.

Participants must be competent swimmers. Any swimmer that has not finished within 90 minutes will be assisted out of the river by the safety boats.

For competitive swimmers, it’s a challenge of strength and intelligence, powering 7.1km (current assistant) towards the finishing line while making the most of tricky mid-stream currents and the odd whirlpool.

For social and fitness swimmers, it’s a once-a-year experience to view Hamilton city from a rarely seen angle, letting the river current carry them towards the finish line when they feel the need for a short rest. Unlike ocean swimming, the Waikato river swim organisers (Hamilton Masters Swim Club) can guarantee that there will be no jellyfish or sharks present.